Effective treatment of self-harm: A Synthesis of Findings from 18 Studies

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Original Abstract of the Article

Major research findings

Self-harm is a serious problem, particularly among young people, and is associated with an increased risk of suicide attempts. 2 , 4 , 6 Many studies have sought to find effective ways to prevent and treat self-harm, but effective treatments have yet to be established. 3 , 6 , 13 Recent research suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy, such as interpersonal problem-solving therapy, may be effective. 4 Family therapy is also gaining attention as a potential effective treatment. 13 However, further research is needed to validate the effectiveness of these treatments. 3 , 6 , 13

Treatment Summary

While various treatment methods have been tried, no effective treatment has been established. 2 , 3 , 6 , 13 Cognitive behavioral therapy has shown promise, but further research is needed. 4 Family therapy is also seen as a potential effective treatment. 13 The effectiveness of pharmacotherapy remains unclear. 7 , 18

Benefits and Risks

Benefit Summary

Choosing the right treatment can reduce self-harm and lower the risk of suicide attempts. 2 , 4 , 6 Cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy are particularly promising treatment options. 4 , 13

Risk Summary

Some treatments may have side effects or may not be effective. 7 , 18 Choosing the right treatment and consulting with a doctor throughout the treatment process is crucial.

Comparison of Research

Commonalities in Research

Many studies have pointed out that self-harm is a serious problem and requires appropriate treatment. 2 , 4 , 6 Additionally, research suggests that psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy, may be effective in treating self-harm. 4 , 13

Differences in Research

The different treatments and study designs used in each study make comparing results challenging. 2 , 4 , 6 , 13 Additionally, the age groups and severity of self-harm among the research subjects vary, so interpreting the results requires caution.

Consistency and Contradictions in Results

Research on treating self-harm is still in its early stages. 3 , 6 , 13 While some studies have suggested that cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy may be effective, others have not yielded similar results. 4 , 13 Further research is necessary, and it is important to consider the results comprehensively.

Cautions for Applying Results to Real Life

If you are struggling with self-harm, it is crucial to seek help from a healthcare professional instead of dealing with it alone. 10 , 14 Doctors and psychiatrists can help you choose the best treatment option and guide you through the treatment process. 10 , 14

Limitations of Current Research

Research on treating self-harm is still in its early stages. 3 , 6 , 13 The variation in age groups and severity of self-harm among research subjects makes comparing results challenging. 2 , 4 , 6 , 13 Additionally, differences in study design and treatment methods make interpreting results difficult.

Future Research Directions

Further research on treating self-harm is necessary. 3 , 6 , 13 Specifically, research validating the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy is needed. 4 , 13 Furthermore, further research is required on the effects of pharmacotherapy. 7 , 18

Conclusion

Self-harm is a serious problem, and appropriate treatment is needed. 2 , 4 , 6 Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy, may be effective in treating self-harm. 4 , 13 If you are struggling with self-harm, don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for help. 10 , 14

Treatment List

Interpersonal problem-solving therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, pharmacotherapy.

Literature analysis of 18 papers
Positive Content
13
Neutral Content
1
Negative Content
4
Article Type
7
8
11
5
18
1.

Cost-effectiveness of brief cognitive behaviour therapy versus treatment as usual in recurrent deliberate self-harm: a decision-making approach.

Author: ByfordS, KnappM, GreenshieldsJ, UkoumunneO C, JonesV, ThompsonS, TyrerP, SchmidtU, DavidsonK,

Self-harm reduction

Manual-assisted cognitive behaviour therapy (MACT) was found to be a more cost-effective strategy than treatment as usual for reducing the recurrence of deliberate self-harm in patients with a history of recurrent deliberate self-harm.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

2.

Cognitive-behavioural intervention for self-harm: randomised controlled trial.

Author: SleeNadja, GarnefskiNadia, van der LeedenRien, ArensmanElla, SpinhovenPhilip

Anxiety symptom reduction
Depression symptom reduction
Problem-solving ability improvement
Self-esteem improvement
Self-harm reduction
Suicidal cognition reduction
Self-harm

Cognitive-behavioural therapy was effective in reducing self-harm, suicidal cognitions, and symptoms of depression and anxiety in adolescents and adults who had recently engaged in self-harm. Participants who received cognitive-behavioural therapy had significant improvements in self-esteem and problem-solving ability, compared with the control group.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

3.

Specific psychological treatment versus treatment as usual in adolescents with self-harm: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Author: OugrinDennis, LatifSaqib

Engagement with therapy

There was no statistically significant difference in engagement between specific psychological treatment (SPT) and treatment as usual (TAU) in adolescents who have self-harmed.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

4.

MIDSHIPS: multicentre intervention designed for self-harm using interpersonal problem-solving: protocol for a randomised controlled feasibility study.

Author: CollinsonMichelle, OwensDavid, BlenkironPaul, BurtonKayleigh, GrahamLiz, HatcherSimon, HouseAllan, MartinKatie, PembrokeLouise, ProtheroeDavid, TubeufSandy, FarrinAmanda

Self-harm reduction

In England, at least 150,000 people go to the hospital each year for self-harm, with many being repeat visitors. Over 5,000 people die by suicide in the UK annually, with a quarter of them having been hospitalized for self-harm in the previous year. Self-harm is a significant risk factor for suicide. While many people who self-harm receive inadequate psychological care, there's limited research on how to prevent repeat self-harm. Brief problem-solving therapy is considered a promising treatment for this issue.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.
Pragmatic Clinical TrialA trial conducted in a real-world clinical setting. It evaluates the effectiveness of interventions in everyday healthcare environments.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

5.

The ACCESS study: Zelen randomised controlled trial of a package of care for people presenting to hospital after self-harm.

Author: HatcherSimon, SharonCynthia, HouseAllan, CollinsNicola, CollingsSunny, PillaiAvinesh

Postcard intervention
Treatment ineffective

The ACCESS study, a Zelen randomized controlled trial, found no significant differences in re-presentation to hospital with self-harm between a group receiving a package of measures including regular postcards and problem-solving therapy and a group receiving usual care.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

6.

Therapeutic interventions for suicide attempts and self-harm in adolescents: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Author: OugrinDennis, TranahTroy, StahlDaniel, MoranPaul, AsarnowJoan Rosenbaum

Reduce self-harm
Reduce suicidal behavior

This meta-analysis examines the efficacy of specific pharmacological, social, or psychological therapeutic interventions (TIs) in reducing both suicidal and non-suicidal self-harm in adolescents.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

7.

Pharmacological interventions for self-harm in adults.

Author: HawtonKeith, WittKatrina G, Taylor SalisburyTatiana L, ArensmanElla, GunnellDavid, HazellPhilip, TownsendEllen, van HeeringenKees

Self-harm treatment

This review examines the use of medications to treat self-harm in adults. Self-harm is common, often repeated, and linked to suicide. This is an update of a broader review on treatments for self-harm, focusing specifically on medications.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

8.

Self-Harm Intervention: Family Therapy (SHIFT), a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial of family therapy versus treatment as usual for young people seen after a second or subsequent episode of self-harm.

Author: Wright-HughesAlexandra, GrahamElizabeth, FarrinAmanda, CollinsonMichelle, BostonPaula, EislerIvan, FortuneSarah, GreenJonathan, HouseAllan, OwensDavid, SimicMima, TubeufSandy, NixonJane, McCabeChristopher, KerfootMichael, CottrellDavid

Family therapy
Mortality risk
Self-harm risk
Suicide risk

Self-harm is common, especially among young people, and is associated with increased mortality risk. This study examines the effectiveness of family therapy as a treatment for self-harm in adolescents.

Clinical Trial, Phase IIIA Phase III trial is a trial that further rigorously verifies the efficacy and safety of a new drug or treatment, whose efficacy and safety have been confirmed in a Phase II trial, in a large number of patients, and evaluates whether it is superior to existing treatments.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

9.

Interventions for self-harm in children and adolescents.

Author: HawtonKeith, WittKatrina G, Taylor SalisburyTatiana L, ArensmanElla, GunnellDavid, TownsendEllen, van HeeringenKees, HazellPhilip

Self-harm treatment
Suicide risk

This Cochrane review examines psychosocial and pharmacological interventions for self-harm in children and adolescents.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

11.

What activities might facilitate personal recovery for adults who continue to self-harm? A meta-synthesis employing the connectedness/hope and optimism/identity/meaning/empowerment framework.

Author: DeeringKris, WilliamsJo

Personal recovery

This qualitative meta-synthesis explores the lived experiences of adults who continue to self-harm, identifying activities that might facilitate personal recovery. The review found that support groups, particularly online forums, were key to promoting recovery by fostering connectedness, hope, identity, meaning, and empowerment.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

12.

Effectiveness of systemic family therapy versus treatment as usual for young people after self-harm: a pragmatic, phase 3, multicentre, randomised controlled trial.

Author: CottrellDavid J, Wright-HughesAlexandra, CollinsonMichelle, BostonPaula, EislerIvan, FortuneSarah, GrahamElizabeth H, GreenJonathon, HouseAllan O, KerfootMichael, OwensDavid W, SalonikiEirini-Christina, SimicMima, LambertFiona, RothwellJustine, TubeufSandy, FarrinAmanda J

Hospital attendance for self-harm

A randomized controlled trial of family therapy for adolescents who had self-harmed at least twice found no significant benefit compared to treatment as usual in reducing subsequent hospital attendance for self-harm.

Clinical Trial, Phase IIIA Phase III trial is a trial that further rigorously verifies the efficacy and safety of a new drug or treatment, whose efficacy and safety have been confirmed in a Phase II trial, in a large number of patients, and evaluates whether it is superior to existing treatments.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

13.

A pragmatic randomised controlled trial and economic evaluation of family therapy versus treatment as usual for young people seen after second or subsequent episodes of self-harm: the Self-Harm Intervention - Family Therapy (SHIFT) trial.

Author: CottrellDavid J, Wright-HughesAlex, CollinsonMichelle, BostonPaula, EislerIvan, FortuneSarah, GrahamElizabeth H, GreenJonathan, HouseAllan O, KerfootMichael, OwensDavid W, SalonikiEirini-Christina, SimicMima, TubeufSandy, FarrinAmanda J

Family therapy efficacy
Self-harm repetition

This randomized controlled trial compared the effectiveness of family therapy (FT) with treatment as usual (TAU) for adolescents who had self-harmed at least twice. 832 participants were included. There was no evidence of a statistically significant difference in self-harm repetition rates between groups.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

14.

Patients' Experiences of Emergency Hospital Care Following Self-Harm: Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis of Qualitative Research.

Author: MacDonaldSarah, SampsonCatherine, TurleyRuth, BiddleLucy, RingNicola, BegleyRoisin, EvansRhiannon

Self-harm

This review of qualitative research shows that individuals seeking help for self-harm face a range of experiences when treated in hospitals. While some patients feel supported, others report disorienting or even hostile care, which may increase future self-harm. Further research is needed to improve patient care in this area.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

15.

Interventions for self-harm in children and adolescents.

Author: WittKatrina G, HetrickSarah E, RajaramGowri, HazellPhilip, Taylor SalisburyTatiana L, TownsendEllen, HawtonKeith

Interventions for SH in children and adolescents
Lack of evidence compared to adults

This review updates a previous Cochrane Review on interventions for self-harm (SH) in children and adolescents, highlighting the lack of evidence for the effectiveness of interventions, especially compared to evidence for adults.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

16.

Efficacy of dialectical behavior therapy for adolescent self-harm and suicidal ideation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Author: KothgassnerOswald D, GoreisAndreas, RobinsonKealagh, HuscsavaMercedes M, SchmahlChristian, PlenerPaul L

Reduced self-harm
Reduced suicidal ideation

DBT-A appears to be a valuable treatment in reducing both adolescent self-harm and suicidal ideation.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

17.

Psychosocial interventions for self-harm in adults.

Author: WittKatrina G, HetrickSarah E, RajaramGowri, HazellPhilip, Taylor SalisburyTatiana L, TownsendEllen, HawtonKeith

Psychosocial interventions for SH in adults

Self-harm (SH) is a growing problem, often repeated and linked to suicide. This review updates previous research on the effectiveness of psychological treatments for self-harm in adults. It focuses on the increasing number of studies and different therapeutic approaches for addressing this issue.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

18.

Pharmacological interventions for self-harm in adults.

Author: WittKatrina G, HetrickSarah E, RajaramGowri, HazellPhilip, Taylor SalisburyTatiana L, TownsendEllen, HawtonKeith

This updated review examines the use of medications and natural products for treating self-harm (SH) in adults. While research on psychological interventions for SH is more extensive, this review focuses on the limited evidence for using medications and natural products to reduce self-harm.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

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